Did Will Die in Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds is a popular American police procedural crime drama television series that aired from 2005 to 2020. The show follows a team of FBI agents known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they investigate and solve various crimes across the United States. One of the most loved characters in the show is Will Lamar, played by actor Matthew Gray Gubler. As the seasons progressed, fans started speculating about Will’s future on the show, leading to the question: did Will die in Criminal Minds?
The Storyline
Before diving into whether Will died in the show, let’s take a step back and explore his storyline. Will joined the BAU in season 5 as a new member of the team, bringing a fresh perspective and expertise. Throughout the series, he worked closely with his colleagues, including Derek Morgan, Emily Prentiss, and Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, among others. Will’s expertise in art and design was often crucial in helping the team solve cases.
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Will’s Exit from the Show
In season 12, episode 12, "The Glass Is Going to House the Finish Line," Will makes his final appearance on the show. The episode is centered around a case involving a serial killer who targets homeless people. As the investigation unfolds, Will’s personal life becomes a significant plot point. He starts developing feelings for a woman, and his relationships with his colleagues begin to suffer. The episode ends with Will leaving the BAU and the team, effectively "dying" as a main character.
What Happened to Will After Leaving the BAU?
After leaving the BAU, Will’s storyline on the show comes to a close. The audience doesn’t get to see much of his life after his departure, leaving fans with many unanswered questions. Rumors and speculations surfaced about Will’s potential fate, but the show never explicitly confirmed his character’s demise.
A Possible Explanation
In an interview, Matthew Gray Gubler, the actor who portrayed Will, hinted that his character might have left the show due to personal reasons, specifically his struggles with depression. Gubler stated, "I think it was just a really challenging and difficult time for me… I think it was good for me to take a break and focus on some other things." This hints that Will might have retired or taken a break from his work at the BAU, rather than meeting his demise.
Theories and Speculations
Fans and viewers have come up with various theories about Will’s fate, including:
- Will is still alive: Some fans believe that Will is still alive, possibly working in a different field or taking a sabbatical. This theory is supported by the show’s creators, who mentioned in an interview that they always leave room for character reappearances.
- Will died in the case: Another theory suggests that Will died during the final case he worked on. This theory is supported by the show’s storyline, which often involves the death of characters.
- Will left the BAU for personal reasons: A third theory proposes that Will left the BAU for personal reasons, such as his struggles with depression, as hinted by Gubler.
Fan Reactions and Theories
Fans have been discussing and speculating about Will’s fate on social media, forums, and fan websites. Here are some interesting fan reactions and theories:
- Will is my favorite character: Fans adore Will for his unique expertise and quirky personality. Losing him as a main character was a significant blow for many fans.
- Will’s departure was disappointing: Some fans felt disappointed and frustrated with Will’s sudden departure from the show, leaving many questions unanswered.
- Will will return: Fans have taken to social media, starting petitions and campaigns to #BringBackWill, hoping that the character will reappear in future episodes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Will’s exact fate remains unclear, his departure from the show does not necessarily mean he "died" in the classical sense. Theories and speculations abound, and fans continue to eagerly await any updates on their beloved character. Matthew Gray Gubler’s subtle hints about Will’s exit and the show’s creators leaving room for character reappearances have kept the possibility of Will’s return open. For now, the mystery surrounding Will’s fate remains unsolved, leaving fans to continue speculating and theorizing about what might have happened to him.
Table: Timeline of Will’s Storyline
| Episode | Synopsis | Will’s Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| S12E12: "The Glass Is Going to House the Finish Line" | Will’s last episode, leaves the BAU | Main character leaves the show |
Important Points:
- Matthew Gray Gubler’s hints: The actor mentioned his struggles with depression as a reason for leaving the show, hinting at Will’s potential departure from the BAU.
- Show creators’ stance: The show’s creators left room for character reappearances, keeping the possibility of Will’s return open.
- Fan reactions and theories: Fans have been discussing and speculating about Will’s fate, with some hoping for his return and others assuming he died in the show.
By exploring the show’s storyline, Will’s exit, and fan reactions, we can see that while Will’s fate is unclear, his departure does not necessarily mean he died in the show.
